radio interference

funnelweb · Post by **funnelweb** » 17 Feb 2005, 01:05

From time to time, I am spotting with my handycam and I notice that my mobile phone generates radio interference when some aircrafts are in approach to rnw 25L. This happens when they fly above the glide path, at the touch down and also just after leaving the ground when taking off from this rwn 25L as well. My main concern is: has this radio interference an influence on aircraft control equipment? If yes, this is a major safety issue for controlling the flying aircrafts at a critical moment!!

Can somebody contact pilots and ask if they noticed any misfunction when controlling landing-on in the minute before the touch down? Now, I always put my mobile OFF when filming but I'd like to have confirmation. I can give dates and type of planes that generated the interference.

Thanks to all

Daniel

waldova · Post by **waldova** » 17 Feb 2005, 08:24

Well, in my opinion it shouldn't have any interference with the instruments. There are so many signals in the air, from all kinds of stuff. This also has no influence otherwise they would already have done something.

And a cellphone, even used in the plane, doesn't always have interference with the instruments either. I know a pilot who told me that it happened somethimes that the copilot or the captain forgot to put out the phone. But nothing strange happened. Only one occasion they got a windshear alarm that went of that probably was triggered by the cellphone. So it can have influence when using in the plane, but it doesn't mean it has to have influence all the time when used in a plane.

lastrow · Post by **lastrow** » 28 Oct 2006, 11:11

regarding the pilot's cellphone: I have the impression that sometimes pilots even use their cell in cockpit. I have found today the pic of the day on airliners, check this out:

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1130045/L/

this is a cellphone in the middle of the lower edge, right? why would a pilot place his cell there if he is not going to use it?

-lr.

SN30952 · Post by **SN30952** » 28 Oct 2006, 11:45

lastrow wrote:this is a cellphone in the middle of the lower edge, right? why would a pilot place his cell there if he is not going to use it?
-lr.

If it wasn't, that this a brasilean aircraft, I would suspect the pilot was awaiting an SMS with the winning Euromillions results.

Devon Rex · Post by **Devon Rex** » 28 Oct 2006, 14:47

If your mobile is switched on but not activity has been done for the last 3 hours, the mobile network will send a paging message to your mobile, questionning it's geographical position. This means there will be radio activity between your mobile and the mobile network. This can indeed cause interference on some other electronical equipment.
You can check this by putting on a TV/radio and put your mobile in the neighbourhood. Leave it untouched for a few hours and you'll notice that sometimes the screen of your TV will start dancing or that your radio will start making these mutmuttemutmuttemut noises

Maybe this is what you notice?

Absolutely normal. This has nothing to do with the fact that planes are passing by. I think if you're standing at the runway and a plane lands, the strength of your mobile's signal is far not strong enough to disturb a planes equipment.

Tommypilot · Post by **Tommypilot** » 28 Oct 2006, 15:52

Hi Daniel,

Well, normally signals from your mobile phone can interfere with the radio, navigation and flight control systems. I say can...
Its forbitten by most airliners to use your Mobile just to avoid interference with the flightdeck systems.
If I remember well, the CAA did a research in how a Mobile phone can interfere with the cockpit equipments...but I am far from sure.

Yes off course pilots have Mobile phones. You can compare it with your office. You lay down your mobile phone on your desk but it is switched to OFF.
On the ground they sometimes use their Mobile phone yes (for example to contact the company if there is no ACARS or other equipment on board).
Before departure, in flight and during landing their mobile phones are switched off. (normally)

From a certain altitude your Mobile phone can't retreive signals anymore from the ground stations so its unusefull anyway then...I think Devon Rex can confirm this

I hope your question(s) are answered now...

Better take no risks in aviation...that's why your mobile should be turned off...

Have a nice weekend,